Workplace Discipline & Termination: What Every HR Professional Must Know in 2025

Legal steps, practical tips, and protected leave guidance—made simple

Employee discipline and terminations are some of the most difficult responsibilities leaders and HR professionals face—especially when the situations fall outside the scope of your existing policies or involve legally protected leave. Missteps in these areas can open the door to legal claims, reputational damage, and organizational disruption.

In today’s workplace, where expectations around compliance and fairness are higher than ever, understanding how to navigate these situations correctly is critical. Whether you’re dealing with performance issues, behavioral concerns, or an employee on leave, having a clear, compliant process is essential.

Webinar Objectives

This webinar, led by employment law expert Ralph R. Smith, 3rd, Esq., provides practical, legally grounded guidance to help you respond confidently to complex workplace situations. You'll learn how to conduct internal investigations with care and consistency, address misconduct that isn't explicitly covered by your employee handbook, and implement disciplinary actions or terminations that comply with employment law.

Special attention will be given to handling cases involving ADA or FMLA leave. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to protect your organization while maintaining fairness and compliance in every step of the process.

Webinar Agenda

• Where do Safe Terminations and Other Employee Discipline Begin?
  • The Importance of Performance Evaluations
• From Evaluation to Termination:  Staying Compliant
  • Key “Must Do’s”
• ADA/FMLA Terminations
  • Can an Employee Be Terminated While on Leave?

Webinar Highlights

• Get a practical introduction to the dos and don'ts of workplace investigations.
• Examine legal best practices for disciplining workers.
• Determine when and how to terminate an employment relationship.
• Uncover practical guidance for terminating workers on leave.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for HR professionals, managers, and in-house counsel